In defensive standoff with Osage, Tate Doggett Tate Doggett 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Van Meter | 2026 State IA was one of the best players on either side of the field in Van Meter’s 14-6 win over the Green Devils.

As regular readers know, I’m a sucker for a defensive prospect that sports a club on his wrist and hand and opts to play through it — Doggett was so much more than that for the Bulldogs on Saturday. Leading the way with 12 tackles, and a tackle-for-loss, Doggett played with a high motor and an awareness of the Osage offense few linebackers in the state would have brought to the table.

Both of those attributes showed in the fourth quarter when Doggett dropped into zone coverage, reading the QB’s eyes and snatching an interception out of the air on the Osage 34-yard line. The senior linebacker took off toward the endzone, shaking off tackle after tackle and rumbling, bumbling, stumbling down to the Osage five-yard line, setting up Van Meter’s second score of the day. That touchdown proved to be the game-sealer for the Bulldogs.

History is filled with small-school prospects advancing to the next level. Good players are everywhere. Doggett certainly fits the description of a 2A talent college coaches should have their eyes on. He’s set to camp at North Dakota and more invitations should be on the way. Doggett’s junior highlight video shows a an active linebacker capable of quickly diagnosing plays. He closes on the football and finishes plays. He could fit at safety at the next level has he runs well and looks fluid in coverage. He registered 70.5 tackles and scored seven touchdowns in helping his team reach the state semifinals.